Gray, Segmented Insects with Many Legs Constantly Appearing in Bathtub are Duff Millipedes

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“What type of insect is this that is constantly appearing in my bathtub?” is all this reader asks in her submission. Her questions pertains to the brownish-gray creature with multiple legs and a white tip pictured below.

Judging from the picture alone, we think that this is a duff millipede. Duff millipedes are arthropods, meaning they are hard-shelled creatures that have segmented bodies where their limbs are joined at each segment. Like their cousin the centipede, millipedes are known for their many legs (the word ‘millipede’ means ‘thousand feet’). However, unlike centipedes, whose legs join at the sides of their segments, millipedes’ legs sit underneath their bodies.

Duff millipedes are a unique species of millipede, mostly due to their hairy appearance, which often has people mistake them for carpet beetle larvae. Admittedly, we have also mistaken them for carpet beetle larvae on multiple occasions.

They tend to live in pine forests and will feed on decaying organic matter (the common diet for millipedes), as well as fungi and algae. Despite this, it is not entirely uncommon for them to find their way into people’s homes. They typically show up around places where there is a high moisture concentration, so either in the kitchen or bathroom. This explains why our reader found the millipede in her bathtub.

Fortunately, duff millipedes are neither harmful to humans nor pets. On top of that, they are not pests and will not damage anything inside the home. However, seeing as our reader has been ‘constantly’ finding them in her bathtub, it is likely that she is experiencing an infestation. When it comes to duff millipedes, getting rid of infestations has more to do with control and prevention rather than with elimination.

When it comes to the roaming millipedes, we advise that our reader move them outside. We recommend using a dustpan to gently scoop them up, so as to avoid accidentally crushing them. We advise that she keeps her home as dry as possible, seal any cracks in walling and flooring where possible, and ensure that her drains are consistently cleaned.

Additionally, it might be a good idea to clear away any piles or organic debris (eg: rocks, twigs, leaves) lying around in her yard.

To conclude, the bugs that our reader has constantly been finding in her bathtub are duff millipedes. They are not harmful, but we understand that infestations of any kind are not pleasant. We hope this article helps and we wish her the very best.

 

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Summary
Gray, Segmented Insects with Many Legs Constantly Appearing in Bathtub are Duff Millipedes
Article Name
Gray, Segmented Insects with Many Legs Constantly Appearing in Bathtub are Duff Millipedes
Description
"What type of insect is this that is constantly appearing in my bathtub?" is all this reader asks in her submission. Her questions pertains to the brownish-gray creature with multiple legs and a white tip pictured below.
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Author: Worm Researcher Anton

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